Katherine Heigl is adopting a Korean baby with special needs.
The Ugly Truth actress – who confirmed she and husband Josh Kelley are adopting 10-month-old girl Naleigh earlier this week – has revealed the process moved quickly because officials are keen for the baby to settle in with her new family.
“She is a special needs baby and because of that it all moved so much faster. They wanted to get her to us as quickly as possible. Timing has played a role in us telling people. I wanted to tell everybody so you don’t think I stole a Korean baby!
“She was actually born the day before me in November which I thought was really serendipitous and just kind of like a sign. I realized just recently that I basically forfeited my birthday for the rest of my life.”
Katherine, 30, has also opened up about the process, explaining she and Josh had to fill out a 40-page questionnaire, and detail their upbringing and parenting philosophy.
Katherine explained to US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres:
“We’ll be adopting real, real soon. About a year ago is when we said, ‘OK, let’s start the process,’ and the process is intense.
“These are very valid questions. You think about some of these things. You talk about some of these things but you don’t really get into the mix of it until you’re looking at these questions going, ‘Oh my God we better answer these right otherwise they won’t give us the baby.’
“It’s different but it isn’t, do you know what I mean? It’s just as intense I’m sure to have a baby biologically because you’re going through the whole physical sort of thing of it.”
Katherine has previously said she has always wanted to give a Korean baby a home – her adopted sister Meg is from the country – and was upfront with Josh about her feelings from the start of their relationship.
“It’s been a big part of my life and my family. My sister is Korean and my parents adopted her back in the 70s and so I just always knew that this is something I wanted to do. I just wanted to make sure that I was marrying a guy who understands that this was going to have to happen. Not everybody is down with that, not everybody thinks that.”
Guess her hiatus from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ couldn’t come at a better time! She is going to want to spend every SECOND with that new pumpkin.
Good for them. it’s nice to hear that she’ll be adopting a special needs baby that will need much love.
Almost anybody can give birth; raising them is what makes you a parent.
I have never been a fan of Ms. Heigel’s but this makes me see her in a different light. I was adopted at 2 months old and it was the best thing that every happened to me (aside from giving birth to my own daughter). I know for a fact that my life is better because my mom & dad raised me:)
Aw, that is very compassionate.
It might not mean anything to her since this woman doesn’t even know me, but if i can only tell her how much respect i happen to have for her after reading this. Is such a selfless and beautiful thing. This has always been a dream of my mothers to be able to give love and build a place for special children. I’m confident that one day we will be able to do that.
I love her for this.
It’s great to see them adopt a baby (especially since its a special needs baby) since many people shy away from the challenge of such a child. I hope she knows how tough such a baby will be. Anyone know what is wrong with the child? Blind, deaf, birth defect?
It’s great that they are adopting; great that the child is going to have a loving family. Wish them lots of happiness.
PS- DaleJunorAmp88- I think your comment is rather crude- who cares what special needs the child has.
i think this is shedding light on katherine heigl. I like her much more after hearing this.
I think this is really great. I have to agree, my opinion of Katherine has gotten significantly better because of this. She’s always come off as painfully self-centered. It’s nice to see that’s not true.
I have always liked her. She speaks her mind unapologetically. So many say she is so self centered, yet a sef centered person would never put herself in this situation. If she were the b!tchy person that so many blogs make her out to be, then she would have adopted a child that did not need special care instead of one with special needs.
Good for her. I hope this shuts a lot of people up.
I hope the baby has a long and healthy life.
A standing ovation to this woman and her husband. God bless you both for that.
That’s wonderful. That’s amazing that she’s adopting. I wish her and her new family well.